A MOURNING man who organised a breathtaking stag do in the wake of his brother's tragic death is in the running to become Britain's greatest best man.

Jonathan Shildrick has already been named the greatest best man in the South East and he is now one of seven finalists battling to become the best in the country.

Mr Shildrick, from Reading, was nominated after organising Rich Hoit's stag weekend in Prague while coping with the sudden death of his brother.

The weekend included a private bar for the group of revellers as well as personalised beanie hats.

Mr Hoit said: "Jonathan is an amazing guy, who pulled off amazing organisation for the wedding and speech. He is my best friend of 28 years and an absolute legend. Nobody deserves this more than him.”

Seven regional finalists will find out who is the nation's ultimate best man at a special ceremony in Brighton on September 22.

Ian Lucas, founder of Red7, which organised the competition, added: "Gone are the days of organising a few pints down the groom’s local and cobbling together a stitch-up speech for the wedding day while nursing a hangover from the night before.

“Today’s best man has a big job, but Jonathan and his fellow finalists have shown that they really made the role their own.

“Whittling down the entries was a tough task, Jonathan has done the South East proud and set a fine example of what a best man should be.

"I wish him the best of luck for the final of the competition.”